Description
Master the art of dolmades with this easy and delicious recipe for stuffed grape leaves, filled with rice, herbs, and ground meat.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 jar grape leaves (fresh or jarred)
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 1 lb ground lamb or beef (or substitute with turkey/chicken)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- ÂĽ cup pine nuts (or walnuts/almonds)
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ÂĽ cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Soak the frozen grape leaves in hot water for about 30 minutes until pliable. If using fresh leaves, blanch them in boiling water for about 2 minutes to soften.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, warm a tablespoon of olive oil. Add finely chopped onions and sauté until translucent. Stir in the ground meat and cook until browned (about 5 minutes). Incorporate the rice, nuts, herbs, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Let it cool slightly.
- Take a grape leaf and place it shiny-side down. Add about a tablespoon of the filling at the base of each leaf, fold in the sides, and roll it tightly from the bottom upwards.
- Place the dolmades seam-side down in a large pot. Drizzle with olive oil and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top. Layer the leftover grape leaves on top to prevent them from unrolling.
- Cover the dolmades with water (about an inch above), add any remaining olive oil and lemon, and place a heavy plate on top to keep them submerged. Cover the pot and simmer on low heat for about 60 minutes.
- Once cooked, allow the dolmades to rest for 15 minutes. Serve warm with a side of yogurt or tzatziki and garnish with more fresh herbs.
Notes
Serve with a tangy yogurt sauce or homemade tzatziki for a refreshing contrast. For a vegetarian option, substitute ground meat with lentils or mushrooms.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 dolmades
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: dolmades, stuffed grape leaves, Mediterranean recipe, healthy appetizer, gluten-free
